100% UNOFFICIAL TAYLOR SWIFT FANBOOK THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF a RISE FROM COUNTRY SINGER TO GLOBAL ICON PNR RS SUS ere Sean alias Crean FEATURING EVERY ALBUM TRACK BY TRACK Mew ¢ LLCO fy (Deu THE EVOLUTION OF HER MUSIC AND s THE EARLY YEARS ° SONGWRITING ° THE ERAS TOUR & MOREWELCOME For the past two decades, Taylor Swift has proven herself to be more than a musician. She's the voice of a generation, a role model, a cultural phenomenon - an icon. She continues to break records with her achievements, and has disrupted the music industry by forging her own path. It's little surprise she was named TIME magazine's Person of the Year for 2023. The ongoing Eras Tour is both a celebration of Taylor's career so far, and a demonstration of her incredible performing power and influence. In this fanbook, you can relive Taylor's incredible journey from teen breakthrough act to global superstar. See how her music and style have evolved over the years, from her country roots, through 1989's. synth vibes and the stripped-back indie sound of foikiore, to Midnights* dreamy electro-pop. Discover how Taylor's relationships and personal life have shaped her songwriting and performances, and how she uses her platform to support causes close to her heart. At the time of writing, Eras continues to take the world by storm and fans eagerly await The Tortured Poets Department, so we also look to the future and consider what's on the horizon for Taylor throughout 2024 and beyond. Are you ready for it?CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE Becoming Miss Americana CHAPTER TWO The Evolution of Taylor Swift. CHAPTER THREE Team Taylor, CHAPTER FOUR Style & Substance CHAPTER FIVE Superstar. CHAPTER SIX Eras & BeyondBECOMING MISS AMERICANA FROM A CHRISTMAS TREE FARM TO THE COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITAL, DISCOVER TAYLOR'S JOURNEY TO BREAK INTO THE BUSINESS (WORDS BY ELLA CARTER ‘or on 13, 1989 in Pennsylvania, Taylor Alison the world destined for greatness. Her parents fave her the androgynous name Taylor (after the American singer-songwriter James Taylor) in the hope that it might further her cha Taylor spent much of her childhood in Wyor Pennsylvania. She lived with her parents, Scott and Andrea, and her younger brother, Austin, at the family Christmas tree farm. “I had the most magical childhood’ Taylor told Rolling Stone in 2009, Running free and fanted to in my head’ The family had horses too, which Taylor rode competitively, but she, lke many other little kids, was also obsessed with fairytales, Disney songs, and - of course, inevitably Taylor's maternal grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, was an opera singer. The Swift family have said that Taylor shares many qualities with Marjorie, and it vias she who inspired her granddaughter to become a singer, something Taylor reflected upon on evermore December Reading, wift came into ping anywhere [ In a 2014 interview with Esquire, Taylor described her grandmother as beautiful and graceful - “She'd get up and sing, and. of course, it was the ‘beautiful operatic voice. Gorgeous soprano: a very close family. Taylor describes her mother, Andrea Swift, as her “favourite person {in the world” and praises her for raising Taylor to be logical and practical in addition to shooting for the stars. Formerly a marketing executive, Andrea played ‘pivotal role in supporting her daughter as her sme snowballed, and helped to set up her The Swifts are LN daughter's MySpace page and website when Taylor's career was in its infancy. Taylor's former manager, Rick Barker, told Entertainment Weekly in. 2008: [Taylors] mom and dad both have great marketing minds. [don't want to say fake it until you make it, but when you looked at her stuff t was very professional even before she got her deal ‘Taylor describes her father, Scott Swift, 2s “just abig tedaly bear who tells me everything I do is perfect?” also adding, “business-wise. he's brilliant” Yet when Jnat it was like to manage thelr daughter's career, the Swifts are reported to have sai that it was just ike soccer practice: ‘Supported by her family, asa youngster Taylor took to performing early. Andrea took her on regular trips to Now York ta see Broadway productions and she attended musical theatre classes, But it was singing that really became her passion. By the age of ter, she singing at local fairs and events. At the age of Just 14, she performed "The Star-Spangled Bani at a Philadelphia 7éers basketball game, receiving a standing ovation at the end, At first, Taylor and her mother would make regular trips to Nashille so that Taylor could put her work In front of the Music Row. "I took my demo CDs of karaoke songs, where I sound like a chipmunk; Taylor recalled in her interview with Entertainment Weekly, “And my mom waited in the car with my little brother I knocked on doors up and down Music Row. would say, ‘Hi, Im Taylor. fm 11; want a record deal. Call me: But when the phone wasn't ringing for labels and producers of Nashville'srooted in songwriting, so rooted in hard work ane in treating people well. It was the best kind of training” ‘And hard work is precisely what Taylor and her family put in. At age 13, Taylor lan: artist development programme with RCA Records in Nashville, but this only lasted for a year. She decided to opt out of renewing the deal, as she was laser- focused on her dream of writing and recording her ‘own material It's nota really popular thing to do in Nashville, to walk away froma major record deal’ Taylor admitted in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2007, But that's what I did, Because I wanted to find some place that would really puta lt of time and care into this’ She continued, I didn’t want to just be another girl singer. [wanted there to be something that set me apart. And [knew that had to be my writing Tt was this desire to write and perform original material that led her to become the youngest person to fever sign as a songwriter with Sony/ATV Publishing at the age of 14 Spurred on by her ultra-determined goal. it became apparent to the Swift family that Taylor's career needed more than just regular trips to the renowned Music City, a hub for artists and record labels, also > ed a spot on an known as The Songwriting Capital of the World’, Her parents were adamant that they should support their daughter in her goal of becoming a recording artist, while at the same time offering her as ‘normal’ a life as possible. So when Taylor was 14, the entre family ‘made the pivotal decision to leave their home on the Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania and made a new life in Hendersonville, Tennessee 20 minutes north of Nashville (Once fully immersed in the Nashville music scene, Taylor began working even harder to showcase her talent, At a writers together to perform their material she ~ one of Nashville's songwriting heavyweights. Ro would go on to become Taylor's co-writer for her early albums, and inan interview with The Washington Post In 2016, she described their collaborative sessions as the easiest, funnest thing I [i] all week Taylor’ flair for songwriting, Rose added, “The first a town about round, where songwriters get net Liz Rose uch wastime we wrote, I walked out and said, 'I don't know 8 there| she really didn't need me! Nashville life afforded Taylor many of these Crucial introductions into the industry that she loved. In addition to her songwriting collaborations, she ‘continued to make CDs and demos and sent them out ta labels in order to find the right platform to launch, her career, One such package landed on the desk of Scott Borchetta, a record executive who at the ti was working for Universal Records, Talking on Larry King Now, Borchetta revealed how he went to see her perform at the Bluebird Cafe, An unassuming venue set ina strip mall outside downtown Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe is a music industry institution, wihere the 90 seats are filled night after night with people eager to hear artists perform original work, In Novernber 2014, a 15-year-old Taylor Swift was one of these performers, and after her set. Borchetta met with her and her family They got on wel, and despite offering to provide an intro to Universal Records, Taylor put her faith in Borchetta as he set up his own label - Big Machine Records. “I felt like I needed my own direction and the kind of attention that a litle label will give you, ‘Taylor told Entertainment Weekly in 2007, "I wanted a record label that needed me, that absolutely was counting on me to succeed. I love that pressure’ The label would go on to support her through six albums, before a huge battle over Taylor's master recording rights would eventually turn the relationship sour ‘Under Big Machine, Taylor recorded her debut selF-ttled album, which launched on 24 October 006. With 11 orginal tracks that she had either self-penned or co-written, five were released as singles - the first of which was ‘Tim McGraw Named after and inspired by the songs of one of her favourite country musicians, this fist single was a great example of Taylor's personal songwriting style g that she wrote it while thinking about her feelings for a boy she was dating at the time, OF the writing process, she admitted later that ‘the idea this song came to me in math class. I ust started singing to myself Catchy and quintessentially Ta peaked at number six on the Country Charts and reached number 33 in the Billboard Hot 100, firmly rooting Taylor as a promising young artist to watch, Effortlessly bridging the gap between country music ‘and mainstream pop, by the end of 2007 Taylor's confess “Tim MeGrav'all of this earl uring fans with her, h- ’ ._ — ‘ WHEN YOU'RE SINGING, YOU CAN HEAR THE ECHO OF PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE SINGING EVERY SINGLE WORD WITH YOU, AND THAT WAS THAT BIG DREAM THAT | HAD FOR MYSELF. ‘TAYLOR SWIFT, IN A 2008 INTERVIEW FOR ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLYTHE EVOLUTION OF TAYLOR SWIFT RECORD-BREAKING ARTIST BY TURNING REAL THE WIDE-EYED COUNTRY STARLET HAS TRANSFORMED HERSELF INTO A REFINED LIFE INTO MARKETABLE MUSIC WORDS BY AMY GRISDALE, ADDITIONAL UPDATES BY TIFFANY STARLOW phe 16-year-old girl that took the world by storm has certainly changed a lot throughout her remarkable career. Now a sophisticated and self-assured superstar, Taylor has evolved with every album, from her self-titled country debut, through the retro sounds of 1989, to the dreamy clectro-pop of Midnights. While she has been something of a genre-defying chameleon over the ‘years ~ incorporating elements of everything from rock and electronica, to dubstep and hip hop in her tracks - Taylor's extraordinary songwriting talent has retained at the core of her music, and has played a ‘major role in her success. When she was starting out in Nashville Taylor's songwriting Is what made her stand out. After the family moved from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, Taylor spent as much time writing and performing as possible. She was offered a development deal with RCA Records and had signed a songwriter contract with Sony/ATV by the time she was stil only 14 The following year, Taylor signed her first record deal with Big Machine Records, She would hurry to the studio after school, often bringing high school gossip to share with her writing partner, Liz Rose. ust like the country stars that influenced Taylor as a child the pair worked Taylor's real-life experiences and emotions into the catchy songs that would make up her self-titled debut alburo, which was released on 24 October 2006. The lyrics throughout Taylor Swift displayed her maturity and unbelievable talent. She was singing about typical teenage experiences like driving pickup trucks and sneaking out late to meet her boyfriend ~ butalsoexplored the themes of monogamy, heartbreak and infidelity. It was the first impression she made on the world and established her growing brand very ‘well She had yet to fully form her own style, but her songs were heartfelt with litle flashes of comedy, She ‘was on her way to becoming the recording artist we know and love today. Once the album was out, Taylor's life changed dramatically, She hit the road and spent mest of 2006 performing, promoting her album and touring with bigger country acts to raise her profile. Audiences loved her upbeat sound with her honest and relatable Iytes. Critics were impressed that so many of Taylor's songs were self-weitten, and she quickly became renowned for her ability to make heartfelt music that ‘was also a commercial success, Industry professionals soon realised that she had found an untapped market in teenagers that listened to country music. Her track ‘Our Song’ made it to number one in the country charts, and Taylor started winning awards for both her writing and vocals. Awas free to criticise her. She responded by using her blame towards Taylor. Regardless, she experienced songwriting superpower. ‘Shake It Off' was the first backlash and withdrew from public single from her fifth album and it was a response to year. She spoke al hen Junpleasantries that hadbeen directed at her, ‘Blank Space’ addressed the public perception of her dating life, She was under fre in the tabloids what was truly important to her and started writing appearances fora at the experience of feeling hated net in the 2024 During her time away, Taylor evaluated sumentary Miss for having - what some people deemed - too many songs about what was in her heart boyfriends, but releasing a song poking fun at the ped back into hespotlight witha new album situation was her genius way to clap back. Taylor had called reputation. Her public image had taken a hit bu ed the setback as an of artists facing reached the point where she was confident enough to she wasrit beaten by It She ‘own how she was being perceived in the media, and tunity to shine light on the iss alented enough to be able to respo lenting hat to constantly one hit went themselves or be forgotten. Taylor madi Taylor's high-profile feud with Kanye West reared clear that she had earned her fame herself. She had its ugly head in 2016. After Taylor objected to being worked incredibly hard to pursue music froma youn, ith a number insulted in his song ‘Famous’ Kanye and his then wife age and wanted the world to see she wasn't a womat Kim Kardashian released a recording that appeared that could be swept under the rug feature Taylor giving the tack her blessing The driving force behind bringing big problems to The clip had been edited and manipulated to direct the world’s attention was the sexual assault she had owt “TAYLOR WAS FULFILLING LIFELONG DREAMS WHILE SHE WAS STILL JUST A TEENAGER.”en a victim of several years previously, In 2013 radio DJ David Mueller groped her after reaching up her skirt during a photo op. The case came to public attention in 2015 when the perpetrator of the assault fled defamation charges against Taylor for speaking p about it. She filed a countersut and gave ev in court he verdict ruled in Taylor's Mueller lost both the case and his jab, The ordeal highlighted the sad fact that the majority of sexual vt taken seriously. It was after this event that but to-use her platform pl ind speak up for ff her seventh album, Taylor had yet another obstacle to face. Many record deals require an artist Taylor Before the rele gn over all rights to their music eption, and is not legally the inal versions of her first six albums. Big Machine Records, she reportedly offered to pay for ship during negotiations. The CEO, hetta, refused because retaining the made the company s0 valuable t iy handing over even mare music for the compa portfolio, or by staying with the label for a further ears, Taylor walked away from the deal and vith a different label called Republic Records, on the n the rights to her work, d in August 2019, was the first alburn released that she owns outright. S wrote the issue of young artists being exploited for money. o tackle bis lead sina for self-confidence and individuality ‘You Need to C m came next, showing Taylor's strong support for the araunity and harsh criticism for those that oppose and sa a W oven Fan: LNG“TAYLOR WENT FROM BEING TEASED, ALONE AND UNKNOWN TO A GLOBAL SUPERSTAR.” accompanying music video, there was a message asking viewers to sign Taylor's Equality Act petition, If passed, the act will help ensure that all Americans are granted the same legal prot. their sexuality or gender. The video won the Video for Good award at the 2019 VMAs, and Taylor used her speech to cal out the government's lack of action, despite the petition having received over half a milion signatures at that point The fourth single from Lover was about the dauble- standards that women face every day of their lives. “The Man’ emphasised how the actions of women are scrutinised and interpreted differently than those of men, especially when it comes to their relationships and work lives. The song also had a wonderfully satirical video, for which Taylor was transformed into “Tyler Swift’ with prosthetics and make up. Taylor Lover Fest world tour was sadly cancelled vid-19 pandemic. Instead, she wrote, sd two ‘sister’ albums in 2020's lockdowns ~ folklore and evermore. Taylor worked with her long-time collaborator, Jac Antonoft, and The Nationals Aaron Dessner on both albums, leaving behind the upbeat pop of Lover to embrace a stripped-back, indie sound. Taylor also experimented with her songwriting style, creating wistful rather than the more personal songs that fans had come to expec ‘The records were a complete surprise to both fans and critics, and not only because Taylor announced heir existence mere hours before each release. The low-fl sound and Taylor's evolved songwriting style ‘were quite different to any of her previous albums, but many music journalists regard them as the best albums of her career so far. In October 2022, Taylor returned to pop with he tenth studio album Micnights, but this was not the same flavour of pop as 1989 or Lover, A concept album inspired by her ‘sleepless nights’, the record explored Taylor's anxieties and insecurities with confessional lyrics set to electro-pop beats, It became the best seling album of 2022, and critics praised her (ometimes brutal) honesty and self-reflection. It was remotely cast of fictional characters, arguably Taylor's most mature album to date, with moments of darkness such as lead single ‘Anti-Hero! ‘which she described as “areal guided tour throughout all ofthe things I tend to hate about myself, I's also ‘one of her favourite songs she's ever written “because 1 think its really honest” When Taylor announced her first tour in five ‘years, It wasn't only going to encompass the four albums she had released since reputation it was going to include her entire back catalogue, The Eras Tour is a celebration of her extraordinary evolut ambitious show packed with highlights from her fi ten albums. Fras has become a global phenomenon in its own right; i's @ record-breaking showcase o' Taylor's truly remarkable career. At the time of writing the next step in Taylor's evolution is coming very soon indeed. While accepting an award at the Grammys in February 2024, she announced that her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, would be released this April Taylor has come a long way from being a litle kid obsessed with sing! and cultural icon willing to take risks to do what she believes is right. She went from being teased, alone and unknown to a superstar with millions of fans all around the world. Even though she's been writing and performing for nearly two decades, Taylor isn't slowing down and will continue to inspire people for ‘years to come, to a respected musician APy TAYLOR SWIFT RELEASED: 24 OCTOBER 2006 « WORDS BY: AMY GRISDALE RELEASED WHEN SHE WAS JUST 16, TAYLOR WROTE MANY OF THE SONGS FOR HER DEBUT ALBUM WHILE IN HER FIRST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL TIM MCGRAW ‘The idea for this song came to Taylor when she was In maths class during her freshman high school. Her nd was due to graduate and move away to college atthe end of the academic year Writing this track helped her deal with her sadness in ust 20 minutes. PICTURE TO BURN vas never ‘offical: Taylor became frustrated by the boy's arrogance and selfishness. She ranted about hin Shouting ‘hate his stupid truck that he does et me drivel He's s became the buulding blocks for the chorus a ure to Burr n tour supporting ‘TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR move: rate Drew tried to get back in touch with T Dut she felt too ai sward to respond to any of iS ggoy ge nte ballad accompanied by Taylor's alongside a mandolin and fiddle“1 LOVE EVERYONE WHO'S INSPIRED ME TO WRITE A SONG, WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR NOT.”‘TIED TOGETHER WITH A SMILE Despite still being relatively young. Taylor found she ing through struggles ‘and produce incredibly insightful and empathetic could observe other people songs based on what she saw. This particular track shar in high school and performed in beauty pageants. All the girls 3t school were jealous of her, and all the bays were interested in her. While she seemed to have a is about one of her friends who was por rest perfec oped an eating disorder. Taylor vd out about her k lie, this airl d vrrote this song the day she f on, having been str n deep pain be is to hide STAY BEAUTIFUL (ther country artists admired Taylor for having the guts to name real people in her music ‘Stay Beautiful is about a boy called Cory who Taylor had a crush Con, but the two never got together. She has stated ‘emphatically that a lot of her romantic songs are based ‘on observation rather than her personal experience Taylor revealed that she barely even spoke to hin ut was inspired to write a song just from watching him, Alas it wasn't meant to be ~ Cory moved away ‘before anything could happen between them, and she sang this song at the school talent show after he left SHOULD'VE SAID NO The fifth and final single of tis album went platinurn and topped the country charts, It's about being cheated on in a relationship where everything else 3s going so well. Ths exact thing happene hen she was 16, and the title of the track popped news, The chorus was finished in five minutes fat some of ¥ ally said to her lend as they broke up in real life. Taylor gave a and sl at she boyfr very memorable performance of this song at the 20 Academy of Country Music Awards Z a 2 % MARY'S SONG (OH MY MY MY) ina world full of tabloid reports of high-profile breakups and infidelity. Taylor decided to take inspiration from the elderly couple that lived next oor to her family. The pair had met as children and fll in love as they grew up. They had been married time and Taylor ruck by lh needled to see a good example of ‘forever love! was to 0 home. The sone she wrote in response is about how sometimes love can be everlasting even if others dont bel ouR sone As a resourceful young girl, when Taylor did't have a song with her high school boyfriend, she wrote tone herself, Like Tim bs minutes to write the icGraw’ it took her just 20 k. She performed it at the reshman talent show in high school, and found that her classmates could recite large sections after on when she released it as a record, earning her several country music awards It was hard for critics to believe very well received ring it once. (Our Song’ was a compelling story. rs ow i etRY eee ay) COMING SOON...FEARLESS RELEASED: 11 NOVEMBER 2008 » 9 APRIL 2021 mn » WORDS BY: AMY GRISDALE WITH THIS SEAMLESS BLEND OF COUNTRY AND POP, TAYLOR'S SOPHOMORE RECORD MADE HER THE YOUNGEST WINNER OF THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR GRAMMY AWARD FEARLESS FIFTEEN Taylor started writing this album whi best friend from touring and opening for other musical It story of their remote to getting i aust year in high jogether, which is the year ut wanted to virte about the fearl Taylor really started to notice that she was growin in love, regardless of the prospect of getting hurt once up. She v, 1 a cautionary tale inehadin shed known when she both had their hear again. ‘[Sometimes] you write about what you wish you had: she explained, “So, this song is about the be first date [ haven't had yet! In the albums liner notes, broken during freshman year. Taylor cried when recause the pain of writh her. The song makes Taylor explains that her personal acknowledging friend resonated s0 her emotional to th your fears but taking the riskLOVE STORY Influenced by Romeo and Juliet, this track tells the story of a forbidden romance, but thankfully the song has a much happier ending than Shakespeare's tragic play. She wrote it on the floor of her bedi wanting use she felt 0 inspired, This ‘was Taylors first global it, be selling singles of all time. Critics gushed about the passionate and heart-warming nature of the song, ‘well as the catchy tune that fans couldn't resist singing along to ning one of th HEY STEPHEN A young man who opened a few shows for Taylor caught her eye. She was too shy to say something so she putitina song instead. The lyrics talk about Taylor imagining the pair in romantic hhe would take notice of her, ev enatios and wishing n though she know probably won't goanywhere, She reportedly sent him text once the album had been released telling him to check out track four. His reply was long and he was excited, but they never got together WHITE HORSE ‘Taylor wrote this track about what she says was the ‘worst part of a breakup with someone she though was her Prince Charming, I's that moment she realised that all of the dreams and future plans she had for the relationship w thought the track and planned to gone forever in an instant. She as a litle t er third alburm, until she couldn't refuse. The producers of one of her favourite TV shows, Grey's Anatomy, heard the song and asked to use it in the series.’ White Horse’ went eature in the first episode of the fifth season and made it onto her second album ave it for use 7 ove x 7 Fanusr ~ er 3“FEARLESS IS LIVING IN SPITE OF THOSE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU TO DEATH.”YOU'RE NOT SORRY Taylor writes his track when she had reac let. what sh nusieas an emotional o ecreated described as ‘breaking point’ after she had found out about a ‘numberof troubling secrets about her boyfriend. This series of discaveries was alarming enough to prompt he end ofthe relationship, a Taylor didn nim hurt her any longer. The remixed single was re released in March a cameo role in the 16th 2009 on the same day Taylor pisode of CSI: Crime Scene THE WAY I LOVED YOU There are a lot of things that can go wrong in a relationship, hen the couple is young and re. Thi pat the relationship she was ‘uncertain about the f cong is inspired by the time Taylor realise in was too perfect ‘being so in feeling as ind she wanted something mor hat it made rollercoaster rush. The lyrics alk about how they ¢ this epiphany people just arent right for each r never go back to how thing used to be ate snd sometimes tvs they may seem very compatible on paper FOREVER & ALWAYS, Though fed that this track is about Joe Jonas. Taylor was a quest on Ellen in Novernber 2008 and told the host that it was ‘She had been through a hard breakup that occurred ast-minute addition to the album. eae he song talks about he feeling of same storm cloud ‘when they were together and when she ‘on Elen ten years later, Taylor Inanother appearan pologised to Joe for th THE BEST DAY This song was a Christmas present to her mather Andrea Swift. They are extremely close and And usually tours the world with her daughter. Taylor ‘wrote this track when they were on the road an recorded it in secret. She then made a compilation of home videos, which went on to become the offica ‘music video. She played it on Andre CHANGE ‘Taylor wrote tis the morning after winning Country Music Horizon Award in 2009, She was part ofa small label in an industry full of fierce competition. as gaining popularity and re til in high school. ‘Change pough she wa about a arming of the tide towrards victory from what seemed like inevitable defeat, Her songs usual in h ails and messages for her fervent fans. The secret meaning of this song is Taylor's gratitude tha the fans were what made things change for h ove use e 3SE MAGIC AND CURIOSITY, THE BLISS AND DEVASTATION OF YOUTH.” SSC Ra Decco sy SN aa) Sowa crescents cacy Pere ton terrors ‘with her using similar imagery to ‘Clean’ from 1989, Ce ener rea CRE ere Recto ects country singer Maren Morris, who made a surprise appearance during the Reputation Stadium Tour, eee eo cary her Instagram followers that she enjoyed being able rece e artists’ on the final six tracks as they had never Peete Cea ete re ee oe ee eee eT briefly in 2008. In the track, Taylor speaks directly See Mane acta Se eee Sree eee aoa cd Pete ee ee eee een eee es the ex ‘casually cruel", a description also used in ‘All ‘Too Well' from Red. Jonas’ then wife, Sophie Turner, showed her support for the track on Instagram Stories, writing: “It's not NOT a bop” Oa ag eon Eee Se eee Cee oe recruited country singer Keith Urban (whase Escape Together World Tour she was a support act for back eet ec te ects ee ees SE ee Re Ue asd this project, duetting on “That's When’ and singing eee ee od act during the Fearless album era and his music has Sas SU eT) Her next collaboration with Urban is a duet that tells eee keener eer es Pere emt in een rer! eee ese etd See cs Urban revealed Taylor reached out to him about Rete eae eres een a eee ea eee ao court at the shopping centre, listening to these two unreleased Taylor Swift songs... I loved the songs and luckily got to put a vocal on both of those: Raa) pe Oe Ce erg ees ere ce eee nd already moved on with someone else. The exes are ee ee ears Ce eee Co ees po eee ete ees ere ee een es doesn't want to pretend to be friends. Taylor told Deeg eee ae aes Se ee ee ead Pot eee ce tag ee oe ee eae pare eet eee Tod In this track, the narrator is driving away from her former boyfriend's home after just breaking up Se ee en eens Dee mss ee ee ees De see eae Non ee aed Rose, who also worked on ‘We Were Happy’ The ‘demo was leaked years ago, when it was originally titled “The One Thing, but Taylor changed the title Peete een bees |3 SPEAK NOW RELEASED: 25 OCTOBER 2010 « 7 JULY 2023 rm» WORDS BY: AMY GRISDALE EVERY SINGLE RELEASED FROM THIS RECORD WENT EITHER PLATINUM OR MULTI-PLATINUM, AND TAYLOR WROTE THE ENTIRE ALBUM SINGLE-HANDEDLY. MINE SPEAK NOW ‘An internet leak meant fans got to listen to this re a marriage takes place the officant asks if two weeks early, forcing it to be sent out to radio anybody pres stations ahead of schedule, It was the first single wedding shouldn't go ahead. T are released from Taylors highly anticipated third album, — told to "Speak now and while or this track when she won four of mplaining that her ex-boyfriend ° knew the song would be a hit aft asked her out of the blue with producer Nath 2" and joked about storming had a moment where the feeling that ‘Mine ‘SPARKS FLY This s written back when Taylor was 16,She aya . er 1 had performed it live at a California casin where it was played on the banjo i rn violins, and had slightly different lyrics to the album version, Videos of the show were pat online, and fans EE requested that she officially release the track ~ so she been working on the song for years, a cing it develop to the point where it was ready to be heard BACK TO DECEMBER Taylor admitted that apologised in her ru ral months after filming had 109. They broke up in December that month before the fllm came out in cinemaDEAR JOHN The su ee cong is suspected to be singe songwriter Johi who Taylor dated for a fi months after the pair recorded the duet. Half of My Heart’ together for his 2009 album Bate Studies. explores her frustrations with the relationship: "You are an expert at sorry and keeping lines blur Don't you think 1 was too young to be messed wit Jayer dismissed it as cheap’ songwriting In respon Taylor said in an interview wit it wa ummptuous’ of Mayer to assume the son MEAN It’s rumou Bob Lets publicised. fe that certain people were crossing the li repeatedly and attacking everything she did. Writn this song helped Taylor deal with the fact that ne matter where you go in life some people are going tc THE STORY OF US Running into an ex can be awkward - especially ted a few feet aw: ach other at the CMT Awards ike Taylor and John Mayer. She described the sperience as a silent each person ry litle they cared that the other was here, She was ignoring him and talking to people she jw, even though t person she had alot to say to just six chairs away, It made her feel he was alone in a room rated thi song around the frustration she felt in ind “terribly, heartbreakingly awkwar NEVER GROW UP Taylor had mixed feelings about growing up, which nt surprising as she did it under t es eye. As a child she had lo king back, she realised sh rjoyed being a little kid as long rote thi song as a message to her young fa herself in the faces in the crowds at her performances and ited hem their chil x 0 sda performance of the track t per godson, Leo Tham of model and actres Jaime King), explaining that his birth had given th jong a whole new meaning to her:ENCHANTED (Once again Taylor was abl intelligence and maturity into music. She met Adam Young (af Ovi City) in New York after exchanging some phone calls and emails and they gat on well. She ‘wrote the lyrics for this song after Adam emailed to say he was ‘wonderstruck’ to meet her. After the song was released Adam recorded his own version of it and sent it to Taylor with a note that called her a modern-day Cinderella and that he was enchanted to meet her too, Taylor considered naming the album after this track, before settling on Speak Now. to channel her emotional BETTER THAN REVENGE Deviating from country-pop, this track was influenced by pop-punk, telling the story of a gisl who Taylor said stole her boyfriend, She felt compelled to create a track inspired by the idea of revenge, but the song was criticised for its harsher ‘anti-feminist’ lyrics (which she changed in the 2023 Taylor's Version release. In 2014 interview with The Guardian, Taylor reflected ‘on the song and said she now knows that partners cantt be stolen from yau if they don't want to leave UF Tayrpetrming to INNOCENT Taylor described as an open letter to somebody she forgave in front of the whole world ‘hat statement. coupled with a few clues inthe lyrics suggested that it's about Kanye West: “32, and stil rowing up now" (Kanye was 32 at the time of the 200? VMAs), She thought it was only right to put it fon this album, Speak Now is about figuring out how ‘you feel and saying something about it. Some erties called it passiveaggressive while others though that the song was beautiful. She performed this track for the very first time at the VMAS in 2010, one year after the Kanye West incident. HAUNTED Sometimes in a relationship. one person starts to drift away and the love begins to fade. Taylor was going through this exact situation when she woke up in the ‘middle ofthe night ready to write a song. Once she had the words she knew she needed to make the sone a big production to reflect its intensity. She recruited avrard ‘winning cellist and conductor Paul Buckmaster to adda string section to the track. Buckmaster had collaborated with legendary artists throughout his career, from Celine Dion to David Bowie LAST KISS Once again, Taylor used her life experience to pen this track. She was struck by the feelings of anger, frustration and confusion after a breakup, and the uter sadness that all of those feelings settle into. Rumour brasit that ‘Last Kiss' was written about Joe Jonas, but ~ true to form ~ Taylor has neither confirmed nor denied this suspicion. The lyrics describe her reflections on the relationship looking back on all the good times that she didnt think would ever come to an end. She admits to herself that there were a Jot of emations, hopes and ‘memories she really missed experiencing when she ‘was in love. LONG LIVE ‘The last song of the album is an anthem of victory. I's about all the moments of triumph and celebration of the first few years of her career. Taylor says it was a love song dedicated to the team behind her. She wrote every single track on the album by herself, but had a ‘whole crew of people helping with its production and release, as well as the support from her milions of fans. ‘She says all these people helped build her as an atist brick by brick, and she wanted to share her success ‘with them allSe ota aun eee eee ae Se ee ee eee Taylor and Patrick Stump, lead singer of Fall Out ae eee eee) of a first date, as well as the hope of new love after ee ae ee ee) either break my heart or bring it back to life” This song is not the first time that she and Fall Out Boy eee Ree ere mre! eae Lae eR cetera ay Se eee during Taylor's Red Tour. Eager Swifties will have pee eee eee eR TN Pererrer eens tesa ts Pree ea See er Roemer! See eee eee Se Mme ee ee er ec ee nars Se eee ee ees SO ec geen Cee eon Cece nS Coser gee cee ae ead pe teed in Kansas City for the Eras Tour that this song was vritten about one of her best friends, further fuelling eee eects eee ees oes TNs co) ‘A sultry and sexy tune that is filed with flirtatious innuendos, 'I Can See You’ sees Taylor addressing a pee ec er aes peter MUS erent Se eet ee ee nen ete eC rennet eee ee eee aoe Ty pete eee eee ng eee ee eed This is currently the only vault track from the album eee meee) exboyfriend Taylor Lautner. WoRDS BY: JESSICA LEGGETT CASTLES CRUMBLING Goa are) re ee emer] De eee eae on aRece ay Crumbling’ sees Taylor teaming up with Hayley Se Re eee ec ere ead Paramore. In an interview with Coup de Main Sea ce Rae eed ‘an experience that both of us have shared growing Ree ieee ee ene okt Ty Coe eee eee ultimately, Taylor's fear of losing the support of her eee eee at ee eee coe era Pea eed from the majority ofthe album, which largely focuses eens nS ete ecru ese cod Pen men eee) ear aoa ee ee ee eee ue Nd Seen ce eer ecg ee eee eee someone else and realising her foolishness. Since the ee aes ‘Foolish One’ is about Taylor's ex, singer John Mayer, Pr et sai! St) ‘he closing track isa sentimental ballad that explores Cee ee ua ee med {imagines her relationship in different time periods ‘and decides that no matter what, they would have a eee any ‘well withthe original songs of Speak Nowy, Timeless rece teem en eer nenT plano, and even includes a nod to Romeo and Juliet ee eee nee eae ae ee aed ‘Timeless’ includes photos of Taylor's grandparents, eee nan me ore og eset ae eV aU Rg Sa |crn Vad ay) 0) | eee ener Sen ees TONS A) [2301 peace ee eerie PANIES Ayah van She recruited long-time writing partner Liz Rose to M3433 4) Siri CRAZY Kt}! ] 3 THE RED This track is about a relationship in Taylor's life a that she knew would end badly. She sald it had a magnetic draw that didn’t allow her to escape the oy heartbreak. The song received huge critical acclaim UCU ese Paatertiaraaier ern ir as the previous album, Speak Now. The verses were praised for their ‘hushed, confessional beauty’ and 22 critics wrote that Taylor's vocals were going from Despite having massive success in songwriting and strength to strength. Taylor collaborated with Dan Se Ce ee een ag Ce eee ee te Mee Ree en es eae kt flaunted her youth in the face of her older critics ee reese mC URC R a LCT Te interviews that being 22 taught her alot about letting This was one of Taylor's favourite songs on the entire Pee ee ee een eee anage where youare aware that you don'thave very writing it People speculate that it was written about Se ee ee eee es eC eee eres Sey oe ea ee ee ee eae een oe See eee added touch of dubstep in the chorus, It became her a) ee ee oe ete Going back to her Nashville roots with a country feel, digital history to debut two songs with more than Almost Do' expresses Taylor's feelings of missing a 400,000 sales. It earned her another VMA for Best See ee ae Re eco ay Co ee ee en eee cee ae ee eee ce] ee ee cee ee Uy cee et eee een Nearly Se ne ey ex "T just want to tell you, it takes everything in me released from Red and topped the charts around the eee te aa eee et ee ee eee ee ‘wonders he's thinking about her, and says thateven was keen to work with other artists again, She invited though their relationship was messy, she sill dreams two Swedish musicians, Max Martin and Shellback, to about it and almost wishes they were still together. _collaborateon anew track. Taylor had heard rumours from a friend that she was getting back together with poo uae ewe ag ose een a nny Re en ee eee poten cbr retias naturally from there. 4crane gens ee ee ee ey Cee ee ead De ee ad eee eee eee cg ‘who Inspired this track, but it could be Kim Wilde Se en ee eC Cn eas Seo oN ee ee ery became a gartlener). The song ends with Taylor saying that she understands why the star chose that path, aR) Ca) | eee ee ene een this album for months before its release. They wrote this song together sitting out in Taylor's back garden, pe eed ponent tere aed Pe eee ae ed Cee eet anion eee end particular person coming into your life is powerful ee ee eee acs Peng ented EU Taylor came across an old photo of human rights advocate Ethel Kennedy and her late husband Robert ‘Bobby’ F Kennedy. The picture was of the couple Ce Sea a eos re eee eo Se ee ea es ere how they got together. A few weeks later she bumped Pemees er eetos te eters a nae ee aos like his brother John F Kennedy - was assassinated eta PoC) tenn eee eter Coens Pee eg ne ey Sag See nce first date with a new man after getting over a bad relationship. People in that situation can feel so ‘vulnerable, and the song encourages them to be bold. PE een es eas Semen eee Taylor (after whom Taylor was named}: "You sald you De ee ens eae y|ee ee ee eee aE Muay aU pee aera eee ae her ex, even though she knows she's "better off alone" since he was a jealous person who took her for Ce ae ea ‘were better man. You wouldve been the one, if you Seer eee cee acre et the original Red album, she gave it to country group ee eC Senet as NOTHING NEW (FEAT. PHOEBE BRIDGERS) Se eee ed OneCare ac Ed te ae eae eames ‘older. Taylor told talk show host Seth Meyers that she pee eee en eerste a eas shiny new artist’. She wanted to duet with a female en eo pec eee eee CCT ee ee od Pe ee ee) nee gear oe re eet See ee ete aS released it in 2018, with her providing backing vocals Se a Ra PrN ae oat ‘With this uptempo pop track, Taylor captures the anxiety and excitement that comes with meeting a ‘new crush and wondering if they'll become something oe ee eee ony eee sa eens collaborators, and is rumoured to be about Harry Styles, due to the mention of London in the bridge, Tae Rea serena) In this country-pop song, Taylor sings about a Toate Re ec end he still thinks of her despite being with someone else. Fans have speculated that the track was inspired by Jake Gyllenhaal, since it mentions the ex growing Pe Soe een See eee cco! Cee es ‘a country radio station, "We wanted this song to be like a comedic, tongue-inccheek, funny, not caring Soe eee ae NG Ren Inthis track, which Taylor co-wrote with Mark Foster from Foster the People, the narrator is constantly ‘worrying and stressing about her partner's wellbeing ee nat ee eee eae m ena) ee ee Ces ee uch ai acs Pee Coot: RU) See Ce eee ay actually the first song they ever wrote together, while Everything Has Changed! ~ an original Red track = hs Ronco ona that ‘Run’ was his favourite ofthe two and he always eee eet ete ren aceneed Pee ee eee er oer Ca eR ee eae ead Cee ao ec) eee ees eee prea d ee Se een Penne ee ed Pee cae ati and Amund Bjorklund of Norwegian songwriting and pee oc re le MMe) Seer eae Senet err! version of this fan-favourite ballad, which features De oe or eee ee nae) seemingly hint that he cited their nine-year age eap as the reason for breaking up. Taylor told talk show Pee ee end Ore ee ed eee creed she turned up "really sad and upset" to rehearsals one Se eee ti and what I was feeling, and it went on, and the song kept building and building and building in intensity, and the song just went on for about 10 to 15 minutes Seer et em ge eee ee ey the definitive version ofthe song, and it also featured eee coe eae name, starring Sadie Sink and Dylan OBrien. Te een] ener ts1989 RELEASED: 27 OCTOBER 2014 « 27 OCTOBER 2023 mv » WORDS BY: HANNAH WALES AFTER FLIRTING WITH POP ON RED, TAYLOR MOVED AWAY - FROM COUNTRY MUSIC ALTOGETHER AND ESTABLISHED / A HERSELF AS A FULLY FLEDGED POP STAR WITH 1989 WELCOME To NEW YORK ‘ 7 ‘The albums opening track celebrates the endless « ; possibilities available to people in New York City, ‘ ta ‘ where Taylor moved in 2014, She wrote the song ‘with Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, and wanted it to be the first track on the album because her relocation ‘had such a big impact on her life around that time. The lyrics: “And you can want who you want, boys and boys and girls and girls” was interpreted as Taylor's shout out in support of the LGBTQ+ community. BLANK SPACE (On the album's second single, Taylor pokes fun at the ‘media's perception of her and her relationship history, ‘She creates a character that isan exaggeration of the ‘marceater she was portrayed tobein themediaat that time, The electro-pop track was another collaboration ‘with Swedish pop music extraordinaires Max Martin ‘and Shellback, who contributed to many songs on this album. STYLE ‘This is one of Taylor's more ambiguous tracks. While ‘it may seem like a song about timeless style and fashion, with references to 1950s movie star James Dean and a classic red lip, the lyrics actually depict ‘an unhealthy on-off relationship, Taylor sings about knowing they should finally call it quits yet they cantt help crawling back to each other. Many fans interpreted the song to be about her ex-boyfriend Harry Styles - who is thought to have inspired several tracks on this album - thanks to the lyrics: "You've got that long hair, slcked back, white T-shirt” IW Several racks onthe abr ate thought have been Inepred by Tayfors eaioneh vith ary Styles MOVER: come ta New Yer! Ter poses oveocking te City ram he Empire Sate Bung: priate balcony back ‘August 2014“THESE SONGS WERE ONCE ABOUT MY LIFE. NOW THEY ARE ABOUT YOURS.” OUT OF THE Woops (On the sixth single off 1989, Taylor looks back at a fragile, unstable relationship. The track contains the extremely specific lyrics: “Remember when you hit the brakes too soon, 20 stitches in a hospital room.’ a reference to a snowmobile accident she was involved in with an ex-boyfriend which nobody knew about until the song was released. Its widely believed that the ex in question is Styles, as he was pictured in December 2012, around the time they dated, with an injury to his chin. The lyries “Your necklace hanging round my neck [..] Two paper airplanes flying” also seem to be a reference to the matching necklaces they once wore, ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS STAY In this song, Taylor sings directly to an ex who has comeback on thesceneatter ending their relationship, and she has no interest in taking him back. She recalls how he locked her out and “drove us off the road” and firmly tells him he's too late and she's done ‘with him, singing; “People like me are gone forever ‘when you say goodbye.” The track also features the recurring high-pitched yell "Stay!" throughout, which ‘was inspired by a dream she had about an ex showing up at her door and that's the only sound that would come out of her mouth. ‘All You Had to Do Was Stay’ also follows Taylor’s tradition of making the fifth track on her albums the most emotional SHAKE IT OFF ‘Shake It Off’ was the lead single from 1989 and made the clear statement that Taylor was now a full ‘on pop star. The uptempo dance-pop track, written ‘with Martin and Shellback, addresses some of the rumours and misconceptions about her life and how she brushes them off, ignoring various criticisms 50 she can continue to enjoy herself The opening verse references the unfair media portrayal of Taylor as a ‘serial dater ("Igo on too many dates, but I can't make them stay, atleast that's what people say") While she ‘makes light of itin the song, Taylor has often spoken about her frustrations with the media's obsession ‘with her love life 850 I wish You WOULD This song opens with a guy driving down a street in themiddle of thenight and he passes his ex-gielfriend’s house. He assumes she hates him when she's actually stillin ove with him. Taylor directly addresses the ex ‘and wishes she could go back in time and handle their rough patches differently, with Iyris lke, ‘Wish fa never hung up the phone like I did" and “I wish you ‘knew that Id never forget you as long as I live” She wrote the lyrics toa track Jack Antonoff had created, ina similar fashion to ‘Out of the Woods! BAD BLOOD The context of this song is probably the most well known from 1989, exploring Taylor's feud with Katy Perry. The song describes a betrayal by a close friend, ‘and Taylor later clarified that it was about a female musician who tried to sabotage one of her tours by hiring some of her dancers, Although she didn’t point fingers, it was quickly reported that Taylor ‘was singing about losing her friendship with the ‘Firework’ singer. Their feud rumbled on for many Years, but they finaly buried the hatchet in 2018, A remixed version of the track, featuring a reworked instrumental and vocals by Kendrick Lamar on the ‘verses, was released as the fourth single off 1989 and was accompanied by a star-studded music video. WILDEST DREAMS Slower than most of the songs on 1989, the album's fifth single has a sultry, dreamlike quality that sparked comparisons to Lana Del Rey's work. In the track, Taylor hopes that her lover will always remember her and the good memories they shared ‘once they are over, and while she hopes it lasts, she ‘knows it won't, with her singing: "I can see the ends as it begins” and "Someday when you leave me, Id bbet these memories follow you around, ‘RT Taylor parcrming in tot ofan in Singapore dng har Oa a CUR aS it We STHOW YOU GET THE GIRL In this upbeat pop track, Taylor offers advice toa guy to help him win his ex back after he broke her heart by leaving without an explanation. She suggests ways to get back into the git!'s good books and offers up recommendations of what to say. By the end of the song, Taylor's advice has been successful and the guy and girl in question are back together. THIS LOVE This slow and soft ballad is the only 1989 track written solely by Taylor. It also marks her reunion ‘with Nathan Chapman, who produced many songson her country-era albums. With her breathy, relaxing vocals, Taylor sings about the cyclical nature of a relationship ~ the good and the bad parts of it - and how a lover comes in and out of her lif. The chorus began as a short poem Taylor wrote in her journal following a reabife event; she immediately heard the ‘melody and knew it had to be a song, 1 KNOW PLACES In this track, Taylor sings about the effect fame has (on a relationship and how difficult it is for a high profile couple to maintain a private life. She uses a ‘metaphor of a fox hunt, where they are the foxes and the media are the hunters, and speaks to anew lover to reassure them that she knows where they can go ‘without anyone noticing. Taylor had the melody and majority of the lyrics down before completing and recording it with Tedder. CLEAN ‘Taylor created this emotional ballad with Imogen Heap, who co-wrote the track, played the instruments and sang background vocals. The song sees Taylor realising she Is finally over a relationship and no longer heartbroken. She uses water imagery, as the song opens with a drought, symbolising the end of the relationship, before there is a gathering storm and then a downpour, which leaves her completely clean. The song was intended to be about love, but some lyrics can also be interpreted as a reference to addiction and sobriety,Sao ee ee Aan eet eae gee eee ner Se ee en ee eS Pee a emcee exclamation point. But in stark contrast to its pret ees ec nee eg De eC ace eas Taylor has faced in her dating life. It describes a Se aoe eee) eee reac arent an ae highlighting the double-standards that female public figures face in their relationships (‘I'l pay the price, Serna eset eee eee ery pra eee ere Pe eee aes shrug off the incessant media commentary. aa) (On this track, Taylor collaborated with songwriting ee eee ne cas ec econ ees eee ee pean eer eo ea eres Peto area ees en) romantic drama, It explores Taylor coming to terms Se eee ees eee ee eee eet] Peer oe eects unbalanced, with Taylor pining while her partner seems distant and disinterested, just dropping the ceo eco ee ts oreo ee ees yours, but you're not mine Re Van a Rats This is the shortest song in Taylor's discography so eae eee eee ery takes aim at an estranged ex with her weapon of ee een eee effortlessly moves from thelower notes ofthe verses Pe Ea Cee ued ‘Against a backdrop of pulsating, shimmering synths, eee aoe ores reer etek eee ay catchy delivery that make this an instant favourite “This] is one of my favourite songs that was left Done CS ee ns to leave it behind, but I think we wrote ita litle bit towards the end of the process, and we couldn't get Pete a SS Ete HU ala TN Ua PAU Can tan LN RECLAIMED IN 2023 SLU nie pen or sets tonsa eee eer ence Pace ae ee ged Oe ee Rr en en eet ese ee eal eee ee ee en eee ie eee ae) because she sincerely believed they were meant to ae eed ee eee eee Ryan ag sete tye ra) gd Oe ee ee] ieee een encase ema ree ee eee ng ee ee together: "Red blood, white snow" (the snowmobile pee ee ote Reena En| ee ee ecg leaving their vacation alone). Against atmospheric eee ee ey Cease ate eee) Porm eae eas ots s Cee ea ere Peers eee teeters aad cee ee Se eas Cee eee! oy, ne on Seen eee eo bere eryTae DSI ee LL tay COTTA aOR Ue DISPOSITION, TAYLOR RETURNED FROM HER TIME UT USI) UUs Oe eed pe ear ce nee teens never sayin’ sorry.’ She meets her perfect partner Pee ca eens ee eer ee aCe Ce eee ed ee ee Re eens Reese ees acre n eT eee ee ete eee eee Pe ee emery features sexually suggestive lyrics, Taylor rapping in the verses, and references to the classic Hollywood Petsne renee eens eet eer CO ae AOU Pe ee eee eee eee Future. The song focuses on Taylor wanting her eee aad Cee ee cos ee eee eee es een aaa eee ere ny precedes” her and assumes her lover has already Peon reas Tac Sea en ee eT ce eet she was given by the media and public and sings ee ee Cees Ce ee as ce een ere ee CS ee oe ete eens oe a ee eee een ee ee ee es Ce eee eee Sree eee ete ey Petree cetera eet ts Se ee ee eas Kanye West and her ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris, NG “ i Pec ea ere cee ey Oe ee cena Pees ee a cea metaphor in the bridge when she sings “I get so high" and describes their romance as the “trip of my life’. She also continues to play into the media's perception of her love life as she sings about "Toyin' ces Nestea unos cas Pe een ore See ee testePr Se ed she used a vocoder to give her voice a vulnerable and Cae oad ee ee esd Dee Ce she doesn't care about what people say about her ee ee eee cd ete en eC ceet raec rg eee Se aoe ad pa Ene ee ed Fe ot eer ens been worse, so you must lke me for me! eet) The album’ lead single was a huge departure from any of Taylor's previous music and firmly established ee eee cnc she was a new person, thanks to the lyrics: "The old Taylor can't come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, en aoe enc her feud with Kanye West and the damage done to eee eee one Peete ne ea ees of British band Right Said Fred are credited as Se ec chorusincorporates the melody oftheir 1991 song''m pesss Coe This is one of the more sexually suggestive songs in Se ee ene aan) eee es ese eed eect na see a cs Sete een cr aed Ce ee cee Sey Se ge ee aoe Ces Perego ere See ecco See ee ace ee! te egeg ee ene ey the word ‘gorgeous! The song is about getting a crush ee ees CN eae ead Peres eee ee eee oat one d en ee ete ees] she's not with the object of her affection, as she sings: SR Da eae era In this track, Taylor uses the imagery of criminals Cee eee Ceca for a romance that was doomed from the start. The Iyries can be interpreted as a reference to her short- Pee mC oc SOs ese ogee ad away from her relationship with Calvin Harris. She eer eee eee ete how it began, with her singing: “should've known Td Ce ee eee) first met me: Pea Cd ec oe depicts the progression of a relationship. The first eee ee ee ee oe eee eee ee ee eS See ee ee) Se ee eee See Eee) never let you go, king of my heart, body, and soul’ Sr eee ect ments ee ee thay Cee eee] Se end Perera Pon a eC Cray Se ae me relationship with Alwyn, when she loved him “in ee ee eee) like ‘I Know Places' on 1989, this track details her fears about fame and the scrutiny surrounding her TR eee ee eon lyrics include: “People started talking, putting us Pret eee eee ea eee se eae ey ee ee ee ety lack the freedom and control that a normal couple Sorrnod Teer corerSd eee Ty ener Le Va ea ATU a PS Tat Ll aaayUU Ha] PUN Pod "Dress is perhaps the most overtly sexual song Taylor thas written at this point, with her revealing that she only brought the dress mentioned in the title so her ‘man would take it of The line, I don't want you like pace eRe cas subject of the song, with Sheeran being the prime suspect, but the track is once again about Alwyn. It Se eo es they transitioned from friends to lovers, but nobody Ce eg Peeernre eres SO aa eu PN aes pee eee eg eRe Ones to the star-studded parties she used to throw for her De eee Se ee eae ec ee eee teny ae een eater ce rs pee Screed ce Oe eee es boyfriend for paying no attention to the gossip. She poe cs ome eae ats Seeger eee eee Te ers See Ee acd Cra aCe This slow spare ballad is set in the months Taylor stepped out of the public eye in 2016. Although her ee eed Pe See es criticism “fades to nothing” when she's with him. The ees ee eet eas ered eae a ere rn eos eee eee a es ee ere ca eens to her new romance. PRCT eo ens record, this isa simple pianc-led ballad. It is set the day after a big New Year's Eve party and features ‘Taylor singing about being there to kiss her partner at peer ten sett ee ett ena es Ce eee Co ace Pe et ced eee eRe ease eres ee | Ce es |=> ee F MURSLOVER RELEASED: 23 AUGUST 2019 » WORDS BY: HANNAH WALES TAYLOR'S SEVENTH ALBUM WAS A CELEBRATION k OF LOVE AND MARKED A RETURN TO A HAPPIER A AND MORE UPBEAT ELECTRO-POP SOUND we 1 FORGOT THAT YOU EXISTED In the opening track. Taylor makes it clear that she thas drawn a line under the events that inspired the dark tone of reputation. She recalls how much time she spent thinking about the person who had wronged her, presumably referring to Kanye ‘West, and how she ‘lived in the shade you were ‘throwing, til all of my sunshine was gone” She has found that her life is much better now she’s let it g0 and considers that person with indifference. The carefree, upbeat song has a minimalist arrangement, ‘with the vocals being accompanied by short piano chords and finger clicks. ‘CRUEL SUMMER In this breezy pop track, Taylor sings about falling in love with a"bad boy’ she is having a casual sumer fling with, She's uncertain about the relationshipis future and is desperately pining for something more. In the bridge, she finally confesses her feelings: ‘And I scream for whatever it's worth, ‘I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?" This song was criginally due to be a promotional single for Lover in 2020, but the Covid pandemic led to a change of plans. As a fan favourite, ‘Cruel Summer’ had a resurgence in popularity thanks to The Eras Tour, and was finally released asa single in June 2023. Lover The album’ title track and third single is a slow, romantic waltz with a nostalgic, timeless feel, Taylor ‘wrote the acoustic guitar-led ballad, which describes her love for Alwyn, on her own the night before fa studio session with Antonoff and they ranted ‘to accompany the confessional lyrics with music that could have been played at a 1970s wedding reception. The lyrics in the bridge sound similar to MINEAt rs Low Fest ows wun canolbecunio Pa Covkh 19 wedding vows, with the lines:"Ladies and gentlemen, "@™#*™¥®: vor tel ous ihe albu toe sage dung The Eras Tou will you please stand? [1 take this magnetic force YM Tay span osx Nous mako-Uo for hr ranslomaton Fo of a man to be my lover: “er Sw for Mere Ma musi video, wich she aso rected >>THE MAN rth single, Taylor ad Seer ere fn ele tarsal acter cee] uring her career. She imagines how differently she would have been perceived and treated by the press and the public if she had been a man - and made the same choices in her life ~ with key lyrics including: ‘Va be fearless leader, 1d be an alpha type, ‘When everyone believes ya, what's that like? THE ARCHER The Archer’ i in keeping with her tradition vulnerable work the fifth track of each album, It nd minimalist midtermpo song featuring synths and soft house beats which bulld t f urgency, and in the poetic lyrics, lects on her flaws in past relationships a deeply personal and honest song, making her most and her insecurities about her current one. She acknow that she has been both the arche and the prey and asks: "Who could ever leave me, darling, but who could stay?" It also makes a ference to the nursery rhyme ‘Humpty Dumpty’ All the king's horses, all the king's men, couldn't put me together agaln: THINK HE KNOWS In this track, Taylor sings Alwyn, revealing that her infatuation makes her fee like 17 years old again. She sings about how they're ‘mutually obsessed with each other, and she feels as though she's ing up the plans bout her attraction to sn architect, Im dra of their lives, and she doesn’t need to tell him how much she's into him because he already knows The line “He got my heartbeat skipping down 16th ‘Avenue’ refers to Music Row in Nashville, where ‘Taylor used to write songs earlier in her career. The song begins with minimalist production, as Taylor's vocals are delivered against a simple backing track ff clicks before hitting a catchy, funk-inspired groove at the chorus. MISS AMERICANA & THE HEARTBREAK PRINCE ‘Miss Americana... which inspired the name o Taylor's 2020 Netflix documentary, is. s high school. Its peppered with surface, to tell the story of a high school romance reminiscent of "You Belong With Me, However, ‘Taylor wrote it shortly after the 2018 US midterm elections to express her disappointment in the state fof US politics. This is best exemplified with the lyrics: “American glory faded before me’ and “I saw the scoreboard, and ran for my life” She makes it “THIS ALBUM IS A LOVE LETTER TO LOVE ITSELF.” clear that she supports the Democrats with the line ‘Weire so sad. we paint the town blue" and ends on a hopeful note, as she's convinced her team is going to win again one day.PAPER RINGS DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS. In this bubbly and upbeat pop sone. Taylor: With this tr wanted to prove that she how farshe and Alwyn had come from the could stil kup song despite being in a hip, when she intially gave him the loving relationship, Instead of using a moment from cold shoulder, She reminisces about the fun memories her own life, she was inspired by the characters and they share, reaffirms her commitment to him, and dynamics in the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great confesses that even though hiny things’, which man id be so willing to marry him that she would da it heartbreak after gettin with homemade paper rings boyfriend. Taylor admitted the film affected her sé nich that she started having dreams about living ‘CORNELIA STREET through rote the lyrics on In the opening verse, Taylor sings, “I rent a pl her own (0 a studio session Cornelia Street! I ually in the car iefly rented in Gi ich Taylor wrote on. anting a relationship ith a snippet of Idris le to walk und London on his ich was taken from his appearance on n The t down that street again if they broke up as it would ring back all the memories she has connected with the place. T i is the end of the song. windscreen ye heard in the background, helping conjure up the image of them in the car. things to noreditch, as Brixton, singing abo ina pul eee ashion designer Stella McCar with on a line of Lover mé suo a interpolates the rhythm from Cautious Clay's ‘Cold Warr, so he is credited as a sorSOON YOU'LL GET BETTER (FEAT. THE CHICKS) This extremely emotional and personal ballad is about Taylor's mother’s second battle with cancer Taylor rarely sings about her family and was unsure about including this on the album, In the song, she repeats to her mum that shell et better ‘Cause you have to’ but it's as if she's trying to convince them both, wondering how shell cope if her mum ist’t around anymore. This track also features backing ‘vocals from Taylor's country idols, The Chicks FALSE GOD False God is a sencual RSB-influenced love song featuring a solo saxophone throughout. Taylor uses heavy religious imagery to describe the ups and downs in her relationship with Alwyn and how their love might be a false God, but they'd still worship it anyway. Notable lyrics include: "The altar is my hips’ and "Make confessions and we're begging for forgiveness, got the wine for you: YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN Taylor takes a clear stand with the LGBTQ+ community in Lover's second single, which is directed at internet trolls and homophobes, To those who ‘waste energy writing hateful messages to strangers, she sings: "Cause shade never made anybody less ay [..] You need to lust stop’ She was inspired to write the song with Joel Little after realising that her support for the LGBTQ+ community hadn't been Joud or abvious enough AFTERGLOW In this track, Taylor recalls having.a heated fight with her partner, apologises for hurting his feelings and asks for reassurance that he won't leave her, “even ‘when I lose my mind’ She takes responsibility for blowing something out of proportion, punishing him with silence and for being the one who "burned us down’ and asks for forgiveness. Key lyrics include: ‘don't want to do this to you’ and "I dan’t want to lose this with you" (ME! (FEAT. BRENDON URIE) This bubblegum pop song served as the lead single from Lover and reaffirmed Taylor's return to a more cheerful and upbeat tone. ME! is all about embracing self-love, celebrating and owning your individuality It is a duet between Taylor and Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco, who have both been fans of each other's work for years. They sing from both sides of a couple, each insisting the other will never do any better, with lyrics like: "I promise that you'll never find another like me! IT'S NICE TO HAVE A FRIEND This dreamy love ballad could be interpreted as a story of two childhood friends who embark on ‘romance and end up getting married, however, ‘Taylor has clarified that it is about the feeling of finding a close friend at different times of your life, rather than one linear story. It begins with Taylor being nostalgic about childhood friendships and then comparing them to finding a friend in the person you love, This track is very different from Taylor's usual output in terms of instrumentation, as her vocals are accompanied by steel drums and hharps (giving the song an almost music-box quality), as well as a trumpet solo and a choir of background ‘vocals. It also samples ‘Summer in the South, a track by The Regent Park School of Music youth choir in ‘Toronto, Canada. DAYLIGHT Taylor considered calling the album Daylight for a ‘while, but eventually went with Lover. She chose the ballad - which she wrote on her own ~ as the album's closing track because it recognises the past ‘damage and pain she's experienced in relationships, and the fact that she's finally decided to let it all 0 so she can experience the daylight with Alwyn. Forgiving herself for past mistakes, she sings: “I ‘wounded the good and I trusted the wicked’ It features a callback to her song ‘Red’ and concludes ‘with a spoken word outro in which Taylor says she ‘wants "to be defined by the things that I love:FOLKLORE RELEASED: 24 JULY 2020 » WORDS BY: TIFFANY STARLOW THIS SURPRISE LOCKDOWN ALBUM SAW TAYLOR EFFORTLESSLY SWITCH GEARS ONCE AGAIN, LEAVING POP BEHIND TO PRODUCE A WISTFUL, MELANCHOLIC MASTERPIECE thet cardigan The opening track sees The first single from folklo a past relationship. V ballad, and also the fr upbeat - as she apy is an enchanting piano what Taylor call ciates the Teenage Love Triangle, a trio of interconnected has and wishes her ex well - this positive cutlook tracks exploring a fictional high school romance soon morphs into nostalgia and ‘what if” during the chorus: “If one thing had been i today? sner (of The ew with Vulture that rings of from each person's point of vi he would return to her: kn the thrill expired, and you'd be standing in my front porch light. And I knew you'd an event thats revisited w ry later in the album, the last great american dynasty ite and patron of the arts whose trie behaviour earned her a scandalous reputation in high society. It is one of the more uptempo tracks on the album, syncopated beat driving the melodi fa “folktronica’ fusion of strings, electronic elements, As the story progresses, the song starts to become personal as Taylor dr between Harkness and herself. bought the Joliday F unt snove ne : "exile (feat. Bon Iver) Taylor's raw and emotional duet with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon explores the moment a former couple see each other again for the first time after their breakup. We hear the pair's opposing perspectives (on their relationship ~ Justin's character is bitter at hhow it seemingly ended out of the blue (1 couldn't things around, ‘cause you never gave 3 sign’), while Taylor's character laments how many chances she gave their relationship before deciding fo walk away ("I gave so many signs, so many times’. exile’ Is use flm-related metaphors to describe a relationship, ‘common motif in Taylor's songwriting. warning ‘one of several tracks on folklore to my tears ricochet sombre chords and ethereal backing vocals give my tears ricochet a fitting funeral like atmosphere, Taylor revealed that this was the first song she wrote for folklore, inspired by the idea of “an embittered tormentor showing up at the funeral of his fallen object of obsession,” Some fans believe the metaphorical death Taylor sings about could actually be a reference to her decision to leave Big ‘Machine Records, with the line “And when you can't sleep at night, you hear my stolen lullabies” alluding © Taylor's dispute with Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta over the ownership of the masters for her first six albums, mirrorball Taylor seen as an object to entertain others and reflect the personalities of those around her, The line “I'm still trying everything to Keep you looking at me" touches fn a point Taylor made in Miss Americana about the unreasonable expectations for women in music to reinvent themselves to stay relevant: "The female artists that [know of, they've reinvented themselves twenty times more than the male artists. They have to, or else you're out of a job! Constantly having to reinvent, constantly finding new facets of yourself that people find to be shiny. nares herself to the titular ‘mirrorball ‘Against a driving piano melody, the narrator reminisces about a childhood friendship with someone from a troubled home ("Your dad is always ‘mad. She recalls the methods of escapism children use in difficult situations, and the naive ways her seven-year-old self tres to help ("I think you shoul come live with me and we can be pirates, then ‘you won't have to cry or hide in the closet"). The line "Passed down like folk soni Jong’ is the album concept in a nutshell. As Taylor explained in her album announcement notes: “A tale that becomes folklore is one that is passed down and ‘whispered around, our love lasts so august ‘The second part of the Teenage Love Triangle, told from the perspective of the girl James had a fling ‘with (Taylor later revealed she calls her Augustine). She recalls their passionate affair and how it ended because James was still in love with Betty: “So much for summer love and saying ‘us, ‘cause you weren't mine to lose” Although James himself dismisses it as “just a summer thing” (in ‘betty’, Augustine ‘wishes their relationship could have developed into something more, with the hypnotic refrain, “For me it was enough to live for the hope of it all, cancelled plans just in ease you'd cal. this is me trying (Onthe surface, this songisabout someone attempting to make amends after a relationship goes wrone, ‘accepting responsibility for their mistakes. It touches fon some dark themes surrounding the narrator's ‘mental health, including depression and alcoholism: ‘They told me all of my cage ‘wasted like all my potential” But the ‘relat could also symbolise Taylor's career ~ in par her return from a self-imposed hiatus in 2016-17 (I've been having a hard time adjusting [.) didn’t know if you'd care if came back’) ~ and her struggles ‘with living in the public eye were mental, so I got ict afta This isn't the first time Taylor has sung about infidelity, bu ‘ilicit affairs'is afar more nuanced and almost sympathetic approach to the topic than the ‘uncompromising standpoint of ‘Should've Sald No’ from her debut album. itis sung from the perspective of someone trapped in an affair and the endless lies it entails, as she laments her situation but feels unable to escape it Taylor’s biting delivery during the bridge perfectly captures the character's conflicting ‘emotions: ‘Don't call me ‘kid, dor't call me ‘baby Look at this idiotic fool that you made me 65The title of this song is a reference to the ‘ted thread of fate’ from East Asian mythology - the belief that soul mates are bound by an invisible red cord, and destiny will ring them together. Over the sweet melody of finger-picked guitar, Taylor sings about how all the heartbreak of past relationships ultimately led her to finding happiness with her then boyfriend Joe Alwyn at the time (Hell was the journey but it brought me heaven). Dessner explained in his interview with Vulture how he Created the distinctive sound for what is arguably folklore's most folk-like song: “Its played on this rubber bridge that my friend put on (the guitar] and It deadens the strings so that it sounds old” ‘mad woman (One of folkiore’s darker tracks explores the idea that women are often unfairly dismissed as ‘mad whenever they are justifably angry or upset. Taylor had previously spoken about this idea in a 2019 interview with CBS News, explaining that “a man is. allowed to ‘react’: a woman can only ‘over-react Taylor's delivery is haunting, and her lyrics scathing fas she takes aim at ‘witch hunters’ and gaslighters, Speaking to Vulture, Dessner said “It has a darkness that think is cathartic [..] Ithas this very sharp tone to it, but sort of in gothic folklore. Its this record's goth song epiphany ‘epiphany’ is an ethereal ode to those on the front lines, past and present, and the idea that dreams can provide some temporary respite from the cl the album announcement notes, Taylor mentions how the opening segments were inspired by her andfather’s experience serving in World War Two, while the second verse is a reference to the medies of the Covid-19 pandemic ("Hold your hand through plastic now. ‘Doc I think she's crashing cout.) Speaking to Vulture, Dessner explained how he gave the song its unique souné: “It's lots of different instruments played and then slowed down ‘and reversed. [it was very beautiful to get lost in betty There are echoes of ‘Love Story’ in ‘betty’ - a catchy melody with country motifs, a charming narrative of young romance, and a key change to make your heart soar, This is the final plece of the Teenage Love Triangle tr perspective as he regrets his summer fling and ‘wonders whether Betty will eve ve him for being unfaithful. The lyrics include several callbacks to both ‘cardigan’ and ‘august’ (such as "Standing in your cardigan, kissing in my car again’ and ‘She pulled up like a figment of my worst intentions [Lal slept next to her, but I dreamt of you all sumer long") to weave the trilogy together telling events from James! peace While many tracks on fotklore are sung from the perspective of fictional characters, ‘peace’ appears to be a more personal song. It explores the impact Taylor's fame has on her romantic relationships. The stripped back production allows her thoughtful lyrics toshine through, as she confesses to her partner that no matter how dedicated they are to one another her career and celebrity status will inevitably cause complications and prevent them from having ‘normal’ life together: “The devils in the details but vou got a friend in me, Would it be enough if I could never give you peace? hoax The closing track is a melancholic piano ballad reflecting on a troubled relationship. The lyrics describe someone committed to her partner even though their love seems hopeless and makes her miserable: “Don't want no other shade of blue but you. No other sadness in the world would da” Dessner gave his take on the song in his interview ‘with Vutture, saying, “There's sadness, but it's a kind cf hopeful sadness. I's a recognition that you take on the burden of your partners, your loved ones, and their ups and downs” This feeling of ‘hopeful sadness’ Is one that folklore manages to capture, and is expressed so beautifully in many ofits tracks. A perfect note for the album to end on, “| WROTE AND RECORDED THIS IN ISOLATION, BUT GOT TO COLLABORATE WITH SOME MUSICAL HEROES OF MINE.”» » EVERMORE RELEASED: 11 DECEMBER 2020 » WORDS BY: HANNAH WALES BREAKING FROM HER TRADITION OF TREATING ALBUMS LIKE ONE-OFF ERAS, TAYLOR RELEASED FOLKLORE’S SISTER ALBUM JUST FIVE MONTHS LATER, WITH MORE MESMERISING STORIES willow ‘tis the damn season Taylor picked ‘willow’ as the lea evermore because she liked the ‘witchy’ ‘and mysterious’ music her co-writer Aaron Dessner and depicts "w' created and thought it set the right tone for the the holidays and rediscovers an old flame" Dorothea album, The song is about intrigue, desire and the 's to her hometown ex that they briefly complexity Taylor's cha sounds lik love with you the long pond studio: a kitchen the and she sang the ‘champagne problems This song tells the story of a man getting down on ow and Taylor wrote the lyrics. Taylor told gum, : of her favourite bridges ind hear everyone sing along with made such a lovely bride ed in the head a heartthrob, Taylor wrote this chilled, © also pr while his Bleachers more pop-sounding tra shifting tempo throughout, bookendedtolerate it Taylor continues her tradition of making track five her most vulnerable song with ‘tolerate it. It i told from the perspective of a woman who loves he n which the lead charact by her husband after the roneymoon. Taylor told Apple Music, “There was a part of me that was relating to that because at some point in my life, [felt that way no body, no crime (feat. HAIM) Taylor was inepired by her obsession with true crime stories and wrote a murder-mystery tale that revolves around a woman nan confronts her cheating husband an sing, and the narrator is Este's rien he soni reaching best friends ~ Este Haim o see if her band wanted to do backing vocals. H namesake was already writen in the lyrics, but the sot to pick the reference to the restaurant happiness rhe deceptively titled ‘happiness’ tells the story o ‘woman who is adjusting to single life after a breakup. She is reflecting on the relationship with mixe ‘emotions while trying to find “the new me" Despite he hurt and bitterness in the lyrics, it's ultimately 1 had be jorking on the i 9, thinking it would be for Big Red Machine - his exp folk-rock band with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon ~ bu ‘Taylor loved the music and wrate lyrics toi. dorothea the companion piece to "tis the damn season’ is told from the male perspective, with Dorothea's ex wondering if she ever thinks 1ck home in Tupelo after moving to LA to pursue b jous as to whether Dorothea is still the fortune and fame, and encour ide: Taylor clarified in to “come b: hat ‘dorothea’ doesn s Teenage Love Triang pool as BettTee MTs) aa Ta UT NOT IMAGINARY TALES.” ‘cowboy like me TSy NNT Taylor first heard the common 1950s phrase “lavender haze" while watching Mad Men, learning Pee ee ee esac Pee ne era eens remain in that blissful state, such as ignoring outside opinions and tabloid gossip. Taylor seemingly also pete ee Senet eae ree ear ere aon “All they keep asking me is if I'm gonna be your Ee eee cae eee ee ea ed ferent a a E good friend, actress Zot Kravitz, served as a co- ‘writer on the song and provided backing vocals. PS Daa een Cea MN TU aaa CU SEN ar Me ARO STORIES OF 13 SLEEPLESS NIGHTS” CU eee a ec eed [era eee eer ee highs and lows she experienced throughout a failed eee uc eer can erste acs De ene eer y Soa eae RENE Cone a aeons the “burning red” in Red’ and suggest a more mature love than the kind she examined a decade before Py eee ues a ame ey Pree nets et aes] ‘on social media that itis one of her favourite songs because it's “really honest about her self-criticism: Ce ete eng insecurities in this much detail before” She described ere eran ny eee ee eer rd ee ee ee eos Pea ae ee ee Pee ee eee Lee cs eee eo rent ers SNOW ON THE BEACH (FEAT. LANA DEL REY) This dreamy pop ballad features backing vocals from Lana Del Rey. Taylor told her fans that she will be "grateful for life" that Lana agreed to appear on the pe ee artists ever’: The song is about the surreal moment ‘where two people fall in love with each other at the eee ey eee eee cis! Taylor's vocals in the original version to blend their Sn ae eae Ree) See Cae ee oe ea) feedback and the duo recorded another version, ‘where Lana takes the lead on the second verse, for Deg eeu ene